Razor



H. R. SEGAL Aug. 31, 1937.

RAZOR Filed Oct. 9, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 C7 W LIW 17 INVENTOR fly/flanZ. Sgga/ BY 21a MW M ATTORNEYS Aug. 31, 1937.

H. R. SEGAL RAZOR Filed Oct. 9, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mw mm" INVENTORala/L1, M

. ATTORNEY Patented Au 31, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 14 Claims.

The advantages of employing a so-called power driven razor are wellappreciated. However, the

disadvantages of a unit of this character are also well known. Moreparticularly in the hands of the ordinary user it is necessary torepeatedly traverse the surface to be cleaned. This is'nece-ssarybecause the ordinary user cannot manipulate the apparatus withsufficient skill to assure of hair being severed at a point immediatelyadjacent the surface from which it emanates. In fact, it frequentlyoccurs that even after repeated traversals by the apparatus over theskin surface,

a sufficiently close shave is not obtained.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a unit of this typewhich, even in the hands of an unskilled operator, will effect a closeseverance of hair to produce a satisfactory shave.

Such a severance will be effected without in any sense sacrificing theadvantages inherent to an apparatus of this character or without dangerof damaging the skin cuticle, or otherwise injurin the skin surface.

A further object of the invention is that of furnishing a power drivenrazor including relatively few parts, each individually simple andrugged in construction, these parts being capable of ready assembly tofurnish a unit which willoperate over long periods of time with freedomfrom difficulties.

An additional object is that of furnishing a razor or shearingapparatus, the parts of which Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a razor headwith' certain of the parts broken away and shown in section to discloseunderlying construction;

, Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 22 and inthe direction of the arrows in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing a slightly differentform of construction;

50 Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but showing a still further formof construction;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 55 and in thedirection of the arrows in Fig. 4;

55 Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figs. 1 and 4, but

illustrating a still further form of construction;

Fig. '7 is a view taken along the line 'l---'! and in the direction ofthe arrows in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Figs. 2, 3, 5 and 7, but showing analternative form of construction;

Fig. 9 is a partly fragmentary sectional side elevation of a furtherform of head which may be employed; i

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken along the lines |l]-|ll andin the direction of the 10 arrows as indicated in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a view similar to 10, but showing the parts of the mechanismadjusted to occupy a position different from that illustrated in thepreceding views;

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a still further form of head-and withcertain of the parts broken away to disclose in section underlyingconstruction;

Fig. 13 is a front elevation partly in section of the head as shown inFig. 12; r 20 Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view taken along theline I l-44 and in the direction of the arrows in Fig. 13, and

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 12 but showing a construction whichmay be included in the apparatus.

In the several forms of apparatus herewith illustrated, a power drive isemployed. To this end the unit may include a handle casing I5 withinwhich a motor (not shown) is housed. This motor may effect relativemovements of the shearing elements in any desired manner. For example,as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 14, the motor shaft 16 may extendthroughthe base I! of the head and mount a crank pin [8 engaging one ofthe relatively movable cutter elements to drive a x the same in a mannerhereinafter described. As

afore broughtout, however, it is to be understood that relativemovements of the shearing elements may be achieved in any desired mannerit being understood, however, that the cutter head is preferablydetachable from the handle, although normally secured against movementwith respect thereto in any desired manner as, for example, by a setscrewl9.

Referring primarily to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be noted that the severingmechanism includes a guard or encasing member 20 which is preferablyformed from a tube of metal, such tube being slitted and having one ofits edges 2| depressed into a plane below that in which its other edgecal body 23 having cutting elements 2% cooperative with the teeth 22. Itwill be noted that these elements, as well as the teeth, are preferablytapered toward the free edge of the unit, and at such edge extendsubstantially above the edge 2|. If desired, the movements of the bladewith respect to the guard or encasing member may be confined to a givenpath, by, for example, having a pin 25 extending from the inner face ofthe guard and entering trackway 26 formed in the outer face of thecutter or blade body. Also, in the, form under consideration, as well asin succeeding forms, the guard may be perforated to accommodate theshaft [6 and especially the crank pin l8, and the latter may ride withina transversely extending groove 2'! formed in the base portion of theblade.

In this manner it will be apparent that as shaft I6 rotates the bladewill be reciprocated with respect to the guard. Also, as the unit ismoved across a surface to be shaved (to the left as viewed in Fig. 2) itwill be apparent that the surface adjacent the edge 2! may be firmlypressed into contact with the skin which will thereupon ride in contactwith the teeth 22. However, the stubble or hair will freely enter thespace between these teeth and edge portion 2| and be severed at a pointvery closely adjacent the skin surface.

In the form of construction shown in Fig. 3, exactly the same structureis employed as in the preceding view, with the exception that the teeth22 have their upper surfaces preferably concaved as at 28 so that aminimum thickness of material exists adjacent the shearing zone.

Moreover, instead of forming the guard from a single tubular unit, amember may be employed which extends throughout, for example, 270. Thismember will have as an integral portion of its body the guard teeth.However, a plate 29 will be secured to this member and supplement thesame to extend throughout the major portion of the gap which wouldotherwise exist. This plate may have a ridge 30 at a point short of thecutting zone and in this manner proper guidance for the unit will exist.

If it is desired to have a non-circular form of head, this may readilybe achieved by securing to the base portion IT thereof a guard includinga plate bent to present a base portion 3| from which side walls 32 and33 extend upwardly. The side wall 32 terminates in an inwardlyprojecting side portion 34 while the side wall 33 extends upwardlybeyond this portion and terminates in a comb or toothed portion 35.Disposed within the guard is a cutter element which has its body shapedto conform to the base and inwardly extending side walls of the guard.This cutter element includes a body 36 and cutting members 37 which lieclosely adjacent the teeth 35. In using a unit of this character it is,of course, moved to the right as viewed in Fig. 5, but it will beunderstood that there is again present the gap which allows for theproper entry of the hair to be severed and guidance of the skinsupporting such hair.

In Figs. 6 and 7, the guard includes an encasing member or shellincluding a base portion 38 from which side walls 39 and 40 extend. Theupper edge of the first side wall defines a' comb or guard portion 4|extending inwardly and upwardly and the upper edge of wall 40 terminatesin an inwardly and downwardly extending portion 42. Again, a properguiding and receiving gap is presented and it is obvious that withinthis shell the cutter body 43 including cutting elements 44 may bedisposed. These elements, of course, lie adjacent the guard teeth ll andthe skin will bridge the zone between the teeth 4| and the inwardlyextending portion 412, while the hair to be severed will enter thespaces between the teeth 4!.

In the form of construction shown in Fig. 8, the guard 45 is constructedsimilarly to the body of the guard as shown in Fig. 3, and includesteeth 46. However, the plate 29 is dispensed with and the gap extendsfrom the edges of the teeth through to the main edge of the guard body.The cutter body 41 including elements 18 is also similar to that shownin Fig. 3, and in operating the unit it will be apparent that the skinwill be stretched or tensioned between the opposed edges of the guardand the hair will readily be severed in passing through the shear ingzone.

In Figs. 9, 10 and 11, the head includes a substantially circular guardbody 49, having teeth 50 and within which there is disposed a cutterprovided with cutting elements 52. In other words, the structure followssubstantially that taught in Fig. 8. However, a plate 53 is interposedbetween the base I! and the guard body 49 and may be connected theretoby being formed with a slot 54 through which the shank of a bolt 55extends. Obviously, upon this bolt being loosened, the plate may,within-limits, be rotated with respect to the guard, but upon the boltbeing tightened the plate will be locked against movement. This platecontinues or extends to a point adjacent the cutting zone provided byelements 50- 52, and at that point is preferably formed with an inwardlyextending portion 56'. The inner end of this portion may be defined byan outwardly bulged zone 56 and it will be obvious, as shown in Fig. 10,that the skin surface may not materially enter the gap even though theunit is firmly pressed against such skin surface. Consequently the hairswill not enter the gap to the same extent as would otherwise be thecase. Thus, it follows that a coarse shave will result.

However, by simply loosening the bolt or bolts 55, the plate may beswung to, for example, the position of Fig. 11. To facilitate suchrotational movement, this member may have a knurled portion 51 to bereadily contacted between the fingers of the operator. Under suchadjustment it is, of course, apparent that with the use of ordinarypressure the skin will enter the gap to an even greater extent and willcontact the teeth 50. Thus the hairs will penetrate the apparatus to agreater extent and be sheared at points immediately adjacent the skinsurface. Thus, a close shave will result.

If it is found that the form of adjustment provided in Figs. 9 and 11 isobjected to because it is necessary to remove the head from the handleto effect the adjustment, such objections may be readily overcome byagain employing a head as in Figs. 12 to 14 involving a guard and cuttersimilar to that previously described. Thus, there will be included aguard shell 58 having teeth 59 and which shell is interrupted throughouta considerable portion of its circumference. Disposed within the shellis a cutter 60 having cutting elements 6! cooperative with teeth 59,this cutter again terminating substantially adjacent the points oftermination of the shell. A plate 62 formed with an inwardly extendingedge 63 may be employed and adjacent which edge a bulged portion 64 maybe provided. Adjacent its base the plate is formed with a slot 65through which the shank of a set screw 66 may extend. This shank mayhave screw threaded engagement with a socket formed in the base I'I.Obviously, with the bolt 66 loosened, the plate may be shifted to closeto a greater or lesser extent the gap which would otherwise exist. Tofacilitate the shifting the plate may have an outwardly struck portion61 and this plate should, of course, be formed of spring steel stock andpossess characteristics such that it will tend constantly to shiftoutwardly. To restrain the plate from improper movements, the guard mayhave inwardly extending guiding elements 68 which overlie the edges ofthe plate. Obviously, incident to this construction, a yielding form ofguide is presented which may readily be adjusted to provide exactly thetype of shave which is desired.

Finally, referring to Fig. 15, it will be observed that, if desired,that edge of the guard which extends toward the shearing zone, may beformed with teeth 69. As illustrated, these teeth are provided in theedge of the plate but it is of course obvious that they might beprovided in the outer edge of any member or surface defining that sideof the gap which is opposite from the shearing zone. I

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, among others, theseveral objects as aforenoted are achieved. It will be obvious thatnumerous changes in construction and rearrangement of the parts might beresorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention asdefined by the claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. An apparatus of the character described including a guard presentinga blade receiving space, a blade enclosed within said guard, and saidguard presenting materially separated edge portions to provide a hairreceiving gap, teeth formed in one of the edge portions of said guard,cutting elements forming a part of said blade and cooperative with saidteeth, the other edge of said guard terminating in a plane below that ofsaid toothed edge, and means associated with said guard and extending toa point adjacent said toothed edge to partially close said gap.

2. An apparatus of the character described including a guard presentinga blade receiving space, a blade enclosed within said guard, and saidguard presenting materially separated edge portions to provide a hairreceiving gap, teeth formed in one of the edge portions of said guard,cutting elements forming a part of said blade and cooperative with saidteeth, the other edge of said guard terminating in a plane below that ofsaid toothed edge, and a plate portion secured to said guard andextending toward the toothed edge of the same.

3. An apparatus of the character described including a guard presentinga blade receiving space, a blade enclosed within said guard, and. saidguard presenting materially separated edge portions to provide a hairreceiving gap, teeth formed in one of the edge portions of said guard,cutting elements forming a part of said blade and cooperative with saidteeth, the other edge of said guard terminating in a plane below that ofsaid toothed edge, and a plate portion secured to said guard andextending toward the toothed edge of the same and below the plane ofsuch edge.

4. An apparatus of the character described including a guard presentinga blade receiving space, a blade enclosed within said guard, and saidguard presenting materially separated edge portions toprovide a, hairreceiving gap, teeth formed in one of the edge portions of said guard,cutting elements forming a part of said blade and cooperative with saidteeth, the other edge of said guard terminating in a plane below that ofsaid toothed edge, a plate having an'edge extending toward said toothededge, and means for adjustably supporting said plate with reference tosaid guard.

5. An apparatus of the character described in- I 6. An apparatus of thecharacter described including a longitudinally slotted guard arcuate insection, teeth formed in one of the longitudinal edges of said guard, ablade enclosed within said guard andmovable with respect thereto,cutting elements forming a part of said blade and lying adjacent saidteeth, and a plate having one of its edges extending adjacent but spacedfrom said teeth andelements, said plate being secured ad-- jacent itsother edge to said guard.

7. An apparatus of the character described including a guard presentinga plate including base and side portions, the height of one of said sideportions being greater than that of the other, teeth formed in the. edgeof such side portion, a blade disposed within said guard to be movablewith respect thereto, and cutting elements forrning a part of said bladeand disposed adjacent said teeth and spaced from the upper edge of thesecond side portion of said plate.

8. An apparatus of the character described including a guard presentinga plate including base and side portions, the height of one of said sideportions being greater than that of the other, teeth formed in the edgeof such side portion, a blade disposed within said guard to be movablewith respect thereto, and cutting elements forming a part of said bladeand disposed adjacent said teeth and spaced from the upper edge of thesecond side portion of said plate, said teeth and elements extendinginwardly toward said second side portion.

9. An apparatus of the character described including a guard presentinga plate including base and side portions, the height of one of said sideportions being greater than that of the other, teeth formed in the edgeof such side portion, a blade disposed within said guard to be movablewith respect thereto, cutting elements forming a part of said blade .anddisposed adjacent said teeth and spaced from the upper edge of thesecond side portion of said plate, said teeth and elements extendinginwardly toward said second side portion, and an inwardly extendingportion projecting from the upper edge of such shorter side.

10. An apparatus of the character described including a longitudinallyslotted guardsubstantially arcuate in cross section, teeth formed in oneof the longitudinal edges of said guard, a blade, cutting elementsforming a part of said blade and cooperative with said teeth, a plateconforming to the contour of said guard and extending from a pointbeyond the second edge portion thereof toward said toothed edge portion,and means for mounting said plate whereby the latter may be shiftedaround said guard.

11. An apparatus of the character described including a longitudinallyslotted guard substantially arcuate in cross section, teeth formed inone of the longitudinal edges of said guard, a blade, cutting elementsforming a part of said blade and cooperative with said teeth, a plateconforming to the contour of said guard and extending from a pointbeyond the second edge portion thereof toward said toothed edge portion,means for mounting said plate whereby the latter may be shifted aroundsaid guard, and means for normally locking said plate against movementwith respect to said guard.

12. An apparatus of the character described including a guard presentinga blade receiving space, a blade enclosed within said guard, and

said guard presenting materially separated edge portions to provide ahair receiving gap, teeth formed in one of the edge portions of saidguard, cutting elements forming a part of said blade and cooperativewith said teeth, the other edge of said guard terminating in a planebelow that of said toothed edge, a plate portion secured to said guardand extending toward the toothed edge of the same, and teeth formed inthe free edge of said plate.

-13. A razor including a guard presenting a longitudinally extendingbore and a similarly extending slot providing entrance to said bore, anda longitudinally slotted blade reciprocable within said bore, guardteeth forming a part of said guard and extending from one of the slotedges thereof, the opposite edge of said guard presenting a roundedsurface for contact with the surface to be shaved, cutting teeth forminga part of such blade and disposed adjacent said guard teeth forcooperation therewith to perform a shearing action, the ends of suchteeth and the opposed edges of the blade and guard slots being soarranged that said opposite rounded surface of the guard lies in acurved plane which does not coincide with the plane of said guard teeth.

14. A razor including a guard presenting spaced side walls, inwardlyextending guard teeth disposed adjacent the upper edge of one of saidside walls, the opposite edge of said guard presenting a rounded surfacefor contact with the surface to be shaved, a blade mounted forreciprocation between said side Walls and being formed with a slot ofmaterial width, cutting teeth forming a part of said blade and extendingfrom one of the side edges thereof, said blade teeth being disposedadjacent said guard teeth to cooperate therewith in performing ashearing operation, and said teeth being related to the second side wallof the guard and spaced therefrom to an extent such that a slot isfurnished through which the surface to be shaved may enter said guardand said opposite rounded surface of the guard lying in a curved planewhich does not coincide with the plane of said guard teeth.

HYMAN R. SEGAL.

